Why the Denver Broncos keep saying '35' during offseason workouts

Because it’s this or wallowing in self-pity for six months, the Denver Broncos are using its 43-8 Super Bowl blowout as motivation.

The Broncos’ official website details how “35,” a reference to Denver’s Super Bowl XLVIII losing margin, has become the team’s new rallying cry. Says defensive end Mike Jackson:

“Whenever someone gets tired, you just say ’35,’ and they just start picking it up again. We know we have to come back strong this year. We had a disappointing loss. But that’s last season. We’re ready to move on.”

(USA TODAY Sports Images)

In theory, moving on wouldn’t entail looking back, but I’m feeling Jackson’s vibe nonetheless. Using past slights as motivation is the key to success, at least according to every sports biography I’ve ever read.

But why stop there? The Broncos should use the Sun Tzu mantra of beating thy enemy by knowing thy enemy. Have Richard Sherman interviews playing incessantly on the weight room speakers, decorate everyone’s locker with Russell Wilson posters, raise a 12th man flag every day at practice and complain about not having enough primetime home games.

Regardless of the motivating tactics used, the Broncos have an uphill climb ahead of them.

The past 41 Super Bowl runner-ups have failed to win the Lombardi Trophy the next year. Even worse, it’s been 20 years since the losing team even made it back to the Super Bowl. But that team — the 1993 Buffalo Bills — lost 52-17 the previous year, a difference of 35 points.

Because it’s this or wallowing in self-pity for six months, the Denver Broncos are using its 43-8 Super Bowl blowout as motivation. (…)

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